1) Norway is a Party to the 1980 Hague Convention.

The 1980 Hague Convention: a multilateral treaty which provides procedural guidelines on the return of children and their protection in cases of international parental child abduction.

Contact the Central Authority established in Norway for cases of child abduction (operational languages: Norwegian and English).

2) Norway is a Party to the 1996 Hague Convention.

The 1996 Hague Convention: a multilateral treaty which determines jurisdiction, applicable law, co-operation in respect of parental responsibility and access rights, as well as civil and public measures for the protection or care of children. 

Contact the Central Authority established in Norway for cases of dispute concerning cross-border parental responsibilities and rights of contact with children (operational languages: Norwegian and English).

3) Norway is not a Party to the Brussels IIA Regulation.

Brussels IIA Regulation: a legal instrument of the European Union to help resolve family disputes involving more than one country, over divorce, all parental responsibilities and, in particular, the custody of children. Brussels IIA is a regulation applicable to all European Union Member states (except Denmark). The Regulation prevails over the 1996 Hague Convention in cases where the child’s habitual residence is within a European Union Member state (except Denmark). Please be aware that if a decision on access and/or custody rights is taken by a court from the European Union, the regulation foresees that a State Party to the 1996 Hague Convention must recognise the court decision.

You can determine whether all countries relevant to your case are Parties, or not, to the 1980 Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, the 1996 Hague Convention on Child Protection and/or Brussels IIA (except Denmark) in order to locate the appropriate central authority. As for the 1980 Hague Convention, you can check whether the Convention is in force between two specific States in the Spreadsheet showing acceptances of accessions to the Child Abduction Convention.

The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) and the Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufetat) provide Family Counselling which is a free service including couples therapy, family therapy, parental cooperation and visitation as well as special free-of-charge courses designed to help parents “Happy Couples” and “What about us?”. You can find a family counselling office in your region here (website in Norwegian).

Juss-Buss is an initiative of the law students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Oslo who provide free legal assistance and representation in cases concerning social security law offering help or advice about appealing decisions made by the social welfare offices. They also provide guidance concerning legal and practical issues with the social welfare offices. They deals also with cases of rejection on an application for financial assistance, emergency aid or communal housing.

Legal Advice for Women (JURK) is a non-profit non-governmental organisation offering legal advice to women on a voluntary and free basis. It is affiliated with the Faculty of Law at the University of Oslo. They take cases within family law, children’s law, immigration law (not asylum), labour law, discrimination, housing law, violence and assault. You can contact them directly here (click on a tab to choose for Norwegian, English or Polish language).

Home-Start Norway is a non-profit organisation supported by the Ministry of Children and Equality and providing home-visiting and practical assistance to young families experiencing difficulties (website in Norwegian). Its volunteers provide free-of-charge and confidential support to parents including families with chronically ill and disabled children.

The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir) and the Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufetat) provide Child Welfare Services. The services provides help and support to children, adolescents and parents who are experiencing challenges or difficulties within the family. The services may also get involved if a child is in need of help for other reasons, such as behavioural issues connected to drugs or alcohol. Use the search box on the website Barnevernvakten to find a child welfare service in your region (website in Norwegian).

Ombudsman for Children is an advocate for children and young people. The office has statutory powers to investigate individual complaints and to ensure that the opinions of children and young people are heard and that their rights are upheld.

Adults for Children is a voluntary, idealistic member based organisation working to help children and young people in Norway to receive a positive childhood and adolescence characterised by security and well-being (website in Norwegian). Adults for Children provides parent guidance (groups and helpline) as well as program and activities to involve children and adolescents to communicate their own experience.

Self Help for Immigrants and Refugees (SEIF) is a voluntary and independent organisation providing information about rights, duties, laws and regulations, as well as how to contact lawyers and public offices. SEIF also offers practical assistance with filling in forms, applications, editing letters, contacting authorities and making appointments. In addition, they also assist LGBTI individuals seeking asylum, immigrants and refugees. You can contact their offices in Oslo, Kristiansand, Ålesund, Trondheim, Bergen, Stavanger and Tromsø here (webpage in Norwegian).

Juss-Buss is an initiative of the law students from the Faculty of Law at the University of Oslo who provide free legal assistance and representation in cases concerning family reunification, visa, expulsion, Norwegian citizenship, work permit, student visa, permanent residence permit and travel documents for foreigners. They do not provide services to asylum seekers.

Legal Advice for Women (JURK) is a non-profit non-governmental organisation offering legal advice to women on a voluntary and free basis. It is affiliated with the University of Oslo Faculty of Law. They take cases within family law, children’s law, immigration law (not asylum), labour law, discrimination, housing law, violence and assault. You can contact them directly here (click on a tab to choose for Norwegian, English or Polish language).

The Norwegian Organisation for Asylum Seekers (NOAS) is an independent membership organisation providing free legal aid or welfare assistance in asylum cases and offering information about the process of seeking asylum, criteria for protection, about the rights and obligations of asylum seekers in Norway. You can contact their office in Oslo directly here.

Caritas Norway offers Resource Centres for immigrants in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Drammen, and Trondheim. These centres provide immigrants with information and guidance regarding their rights in the Norwegian labour market, temporary and permanent accommodation, advice concerning employment, vacant positions, how to apply for a job, alongside juridical and healthcare counselling. They also offer Norwegian language courses and career counselling and other activities for asylum seekers in reception centres. You can contact them directly here (website in Norwegian).